Architects: Atelier Marko Brajovic
Area: 2529 ft²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Eduardo Ohara Junior
Manufacturers: Ita Itu Materiais de Construção, Pico do Frade Agropecuária LTDA, Usina Araucária
Lead Architect: Marko Brajovic
Operations Director: Bruno Bezerra
Parametric Architecture: Priscila Sati
Bim Model Architect: Luísa Marinho
Collaborating Architect: Ana Nascimento
Bambuzeiro Engineer and Team Training: Ing. Alejandro S. Cieslik
Construction: Júlio Cesar da Silva e equipe
Environmental Licensing and Approval Project: EE Escritório de Engenharia
Program: Área social
Ayuru Area: 1894.4 ft²
Services Area: 635.0 ft²
Town: Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Country: Brazil
AYURU, a forest temple designed by Aldeia Rizoma in Paraty, represents an architectural interpretation of ecological sensitivity and cultural homage. Drawing inspiration from the fluid and delicate movements of its avian namesake, the temple’s design facilitates gentle interaction with its ecological surroundings. Constructed primarily from locally sourced materials, AYURU features a unique structural and aesthetic approach, including an adaptive roofing system that visually interacts with natural light. The facility, complete with versatile spaces and essential amenities, supports a broad range of uses, enhancing the immersive nature experiences and wellness programs offered at the site.
AYURU, named after a bird in Tupi-Guarani, embodies the concept of entering and interacting with an ecological environment in a delicate manner. This principle guides the design of the forest temple, which is inspired by the graceful movements of these birds.
The temple stands 8 meters tall with an external diameter of 16 meters, offering space for various activities, including events and practices. This space is enhanced by additional facilities such as two squares located on the east and west sides, parking areas, restrooms, storage spaces, and a support kitchen, all connected by stone pathways throughout the complex. The structure’s coloration merges seamlessly with the surrounding Atlantic forest, emphasizing a cohesive visual integration.
The temple’s structural system draws inspiration from traditional indigenous architecture, constructed entirely of bamboo from the Guadua Angustifolia species. It features 16 pillars, each 11 meters long, and a robust arrangement of transverse beams. A central iron ring anchors the structure, distributing forces across the radial layout while allowing an aperture at the top for natural light and air circulation. The roofing is comprised of ceramic tiles, which are high-temperature glazed to achieve a blue-green tint that dynamically alters with the shifting natural light and shadows.
Reflecting the hues of a bird’s wing, which shift from green to blue and occasionally display multiple colors, the roof’s design adds an element of surprise and transformation to the structure. The symmetry of the interior is centered around a main area with a floor made of soil-cement from local clay and decking from regional eucalyptus wood. The extensive use of local materials, including bamboo sourced from the Mambucaba region near Ilha Grande Bay, underscores the project’s commitment to local sourcing and ecological sensitivity.
AYURU serves as a forest temple within Aldeia Rizoma, located in Paraty. It is part of a broader initiative to create ecological accommodations and host wellness programs and immersive nature events.
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Project Location
Address: Rizoma Village, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
